Modeling and biomechanical analysis of craniosynostosis correction with the use of finite element method. (2nd August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolański, Wojciech; Larysz, Dawid; Gzik, Marek; Kawlewska, Edyta
• Other Names: Tavares João Manuel R. S. guestEditor.; Jorge Renato Natal guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: International journal for numerical methods in biomedical engineering. Volume 29:Number 9(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 916
• Page End: 925
• Publication Date: 2012-08-02
• Subjects: craniosynostosis -- biomechanics -- preoperative planning -- modeling -- skull; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in medicine -- Periodicals; Numerical analysis -- Periodicals; Engineering mathematics -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-7939

Abstract

SUMMARY: Craniosynostosis is a skull malformation because of premature fusing of one or more cranial sutures. The most common types of craniosynostosis are scaphocephaly (with the sagittal suture fused) and trigonocephaly (with the metopic suture fused). In this paper we describe and discuss how finite element analysis and three‐dimensional modeling can be used for preoperative planning of the correction of craniosynostosis and for the postoperative evaluation of the treatment results. We used the engineering softwareMIMICS MATERIALISE to obtain three‐dimensional geometry from computed tomography scans, and applied finite element method for the sake of biomechanical analysis. These simulations help to improve the surgical treatment, making it more accurate, safer, and faster. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : This paper presents the engineering preoperative planning of skull shape correction. The MIMICS software was used to calculate the three‐dimensional geometrical model and to plan the incisions, and the ANSYS software was used to perform the finite element analysis and to find the optimal variant of correction. This procedure of planning can be applied in both classic and endoscopic skull surgeries in diagnosed craniosynostosis (trigonocephaly, scaphocephaly, plagiocephaly, or brachycephaly).